SC to Hear Plea Against Banu Mushtaq as Mysuru Dasara Chief Guest on Friday

Quick Summary

• The Supreme Court will hear on Friday a petition challenging the Karnataka government’s invitation of Booker Prize-winning writer Banu Mushtaq, a Muslim, as the chief guest for Mysuru Dasara’s inauguration on September 22.
• The petition follows the Karnataka High Court’s dismissal of three similar PILs earlier this week, including one by BJP MP Pratap simha, arguing against Mushtaq’s selection based on religious grounds and her alleged past remarks.
• The High Court held that Mysuru Dasara is a state festival (Naada Habba) involving all communities; permitting persons of different faiths does not violate constitutional or legal rights. It dismissed claims invoking article 26 (freedom to manage religious affairs).
• advocate General clarified that the selection was made by a bipartisan 62-member commitee and noted similar precedents like poet Nisar Ahmed’s invitation in 2017.
• Despite court rulings stating secular values dominate Mysuru Dasara celebrations, political controversies persist. BJP leaders criticize selecting a Muslim guest for inaugurating festivities tied to Goddess chamundeshwari worship.
• Opinions within Mysuru royalty are mixed: GOP MP Yaduveer Wadiyar suggested reverence for Chamundeshwari be affirmed publicly, while Pramoda devi Wadiyar emphasized cultural over religious importance in government-led Dasara events.
• congress leaders defend inclusivity in Dasara celebrations while Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and others argue it represents societal harmony beyond religion.
• Banu Mushtaq expressed gratitude for her selection and described personal connections watching once spectacles celebrating childhood Na Tada .